Do you have one? You know, the ribbon shaped magnets that you are supposed to put on your car, van, SUV, tank. I don’t have one (I hope that doesn’t make me unpatriotic or any less supportive of our fine folks serving in uniforms). I guess I would rather support our troops with prayers, letters, or other ways. Plus I heard that you have to move those magnets around to different places on your auto or M1 Abrams to avoid paint damage. I am not sure what the deductible is on an M1 Abrams, but it is pretty high on my Saturn and I am rather fond of the current paint job.
Well they caught my attention this morning as I was sitting in a car wash in a city away from home. While the second cycle of an Ultimate Car Wash was in process, I glance over to an exit door to my left. I saw about 30 – 40 of those car magnets (most of the ‘Support our Troops’ variety, but with some other flavors mixed in too). They were stuck on the door which most likely was made of steel. I pondered why someone would place all of those magnets on a metal door inside of a car wash when it dawned on me. The high pressure spray most likely peels or pushes those magnets off of many vehicles that come for a wash and leave a little bit lighter. I wonder if most of those magnet owners even know that they lost them in the wash?
I don’t criticize those who choose to put a magnet emblem pledging their support of our soldiers – in most cases, it is a sincere gesture of thoughtfulness and support. Wearing a flag lapel pin and putting yellow ribbon magnets on your vehicle are fine ways to show your support, but we also need to engage in more personal ways of caring for the needs of those who serve our country and sacrifice for all of us. How about offering a meal to a military family, making a phone call to someone you know serving overseas, or even committing to faithfully praying for the safety and needs of someone who is currently serving on a tour.